WO2018074615A1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile terminal comprises: a casing including a through-hole formed through a side surface thereof; a waterproof tube including a cylinder inserted into the through-hole; a waterproof ring fitted around the waterproof tube and interposed between the casing and the waterproof tube; and a waterproof filter which covers a side of the waterproof tube and allows gas to pass therethrough while preventing a liquid molecule from passing therethrough. The mobile terminal includes a microphone hole having a modularized waterproof structure, and thus can be easily assembled and allows a defective product to be filtered out in a component stage, thereby reducing the defective proportion.

Description

Mobile terminal

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising a modular waterproof microphone hole.

Terminals may be divided into mobile / portable terminals and stationary terminals according to their mobility. The mobile terminal may be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether a user can directly carry it.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, data and voice communication, taking a picture and video with a camera, recording a voice, playing a music file through a speaker system, and outputting an image or video to a display unit. Some terminals have an electronic game play function or a multimedia player function. In particular, recent mobile terminals may receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcasting, video, and television programs.

As the terminal functions are diversified, for example, such a terminal is a multimedia player having a complex function such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, or receiving a broadcast. Is being implemented.

As the function of the mobile terminal is expanded, the number of users who want to use the mobile terminal increases in swimming pools or bathrooms with water. In other words, the need for a mobile terminal having a waterproof function is increasing. In particular, a part having a structure communicating with the outside, such as a microphone hole and a receiver hole, requires a reliable waterproof structure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal having a high waterproof reliability by modularizing the waterproof structure of the microphone hole to solve the above problems.

A case including a through hole formed in a side surface; A waterproof tube including a cylinder inserted into the through hole; A waterproof ring inserted around the waterproof tube and interposed between the case and the waterproof tube; And a waterproof terminal covering one side of the waterproof tube and including a waterproof filter through which gas passes but does not allow liquid molecules to pass therethrough.

The waterproof tube may further include a donut-shaped flange extending in the circumferential direction of the cylinder at one end of the cylinder.

The waterproof filter may be attached to the flange.

The flange may be located inside the case.

The waterproof ring may be fitted to the cylinder at a position adjacent to the flange.

The through hole may form a larger diameter of the portion where the waterproof ring is located.

The through hole may form a step and change in diameter, and the portion adjacent to the outside of the case may have the smallest diameter, and the diameter of the portion adjacent to the inside of the case may be the largest.

The waterproof ring may further include a seating ring seated on the outer surface of the cylinder and a sealing ring protruding outward from the seating ring.

The microphone may further include a microphone positioned inside the case, and the sound output from the microphone may be output through the waterproof tube.

The microphone may further include a microphone bracket covering the microphone and including a sound path connected to the waterproof tube.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention has an advantage in that the modular structure of the microphone hole makes it easy to assemble and to filter out defective parts at a component level, thereby providing a defective rate.

In addition, it is possible to implement the waterproof structure of the microphone hole by using the same module for each product, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost is reduced because there is no need to manufacture different components for each product.

Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and therefore, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and the preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as given by way of example only.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of a mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the microphone hole and the microphone portion according to an embodiment of the mobile terminal related to the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of a microphone hole and a microphone portion according to another embodiment of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing a waterproof module of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

5 is a perspective view showing a waterproof module of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, but are not limited to the technical spirit disclosed herein by the accompanying drawings, all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood to include equivalents and substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that other components may be present in between. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

The mobile terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant, a portable multimedia player, a navigation, a slate PC , Tablet PCs, ultrabooks, wearable devices, such as smartwatches, glass glasses, head mounted displays, and the like. have.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, digital signages, and the like, except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

1A to 1C, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. ) May be included. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential to implementing a mobile terminal, so that the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 of the components, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 and the external server It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication therebetween. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of the broadcast receiving module 111, the mobile communication module 112, the wireless internet module 113, the short range communication module 114, and the location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 may include a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, or a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user. , Touch keys, mechanical keys, and the like. The voice data or the image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a control command of the user.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, Gyroscope Sensor, Motion Sensor, RGB Sensor, Infrared Sensor, Infrared Sensor, Finger Scan Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor Optical sensors (e.g. cameras 121), microphones (see 122), battery gauges, environmental sensors (e.g. barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, radiation detection sensors, Thermal sensors, gas sensors, etc.), chemical sensors (eg, electronic noses, healthcare sensors, biometric sensors, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed herein may use a combination of information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 151, an audio output unit 152, a hap tip module 153, and an optical output unit 154. can do. The display unit 151 forms a layer structure with or is integrally formed with the touch sensor, thereby implementing a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user, and may also provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, in response to an external device being connected to the interface unit 160, appropriate control associated with the connected external device may be performed.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications driven in the mobile terminal 100, data for operating the mobile terminal 100, and instructions. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, a call forwarding, a calling function, a message receiving, and a calling function). The application program may be stored in the memory 170 and installed on the mobile terminal 100 to be driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process information or a function appropriate to a user by processing signals, data, information, and the like, which are input or output through the above-described components, or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components described with reference to FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. Furthermore, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 to drive the application program.

The power supply unit 190 receives power from an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, which may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

Hereinafter, the components listed above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1A before looking at various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or switching of broadcast channels for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 may include technical standards or communication schemes (eg, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), and EV). Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced) and the like to transmit and receive a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, a server on a mobile communication network.

The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless internet technologies.

Examples of wireless Internet technologies include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), and WiMAX (World). Interoperability for Microwave Access (HSDPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), and the like. 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including the Internet technologies not listed above.

In view of the fact that the wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 for performing a wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network 113 ) May be understood as a kind of mobile communication module 112.

The short range communication module 114 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. (Near Field Communication), at least one of Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology can be used to support short-range communication. The short-range communication module 114 may be configured between a mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or through the wireless area networks. ) And a network in which the other mobile terminal 100 (or an external server) is located. The short range wireless communication network may be short range wireless personal area networks.

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging (or interworking) data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (for example, smartwatch, smart glasses). (smart glass), head mounted display (HMD). The short range communication module 114 may sense (or recognize) a wearable device that can communicate with the mobile terminal 100, around the mobile terminal 100. Further, when the detected wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may include at least a portion of data processed by the mobile terminal 100 in the short range communication module ( The transmission may be transmitted to the wearable device through 114. Therefore, the user of the wearable device may use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device or when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the received through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal based on information of the wireless access point (AP) transmitting or receiving the Wi-Fi module and the wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function of other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to substitute or additionally obtain data regarding the location of the mobile terminal. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For input of image information, the mobile terminal 100 is one. Alternatively, the plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. On the other hand, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming a matrix structure in this way, the mobile terminal 100 may have various angles or focuses. The plurality of pieces of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes external sound signals into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be variously used according to a function (or an application program being executed) performed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user. When information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 may control an operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . The user input unit 123 may be a mechanical input unit (or a mechanical key, for example, a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, or the like located on the front, rear, or side surfaces of the mobile terminal 100). Jog switch, etc.) and touch input means. As an example, the touch input means may include a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through a software process, or a portion other than the touch screen. It may be made of a touch key disposed in the. The virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or the like. It can be made of a combination of.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or perform data processing, function or operation related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using a mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen described above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. In the case where the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, an action of allowing the object to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the object is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching an object on a screen is called a "contact touch." The position at which the object is in close proximity touch on the touch screen means a position where the object is perpendicular to the touch screen when the object is in close proximity touch. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). have. Meanwhile, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern detected through the proximity sensor 141 as described above, and further, provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Further, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) according to whether the touch on the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor applies a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. Detect.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or capacitance generated at the specific portion into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the touch, a capacitance at the touch, and the like, when the touch object applying the touch on the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object applying a touch to the touch sensor and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen or a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different control or perform the same control according to the type of touch object that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different control or the same control according to the type of touch object may be determined according to the operation state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and the proximity sensor described above may be independently or combined, and may be a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch on a touch screen. ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. A touch can be sensed.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing object using ultrasonic waves. On the other hand, the controller 180 can calculate the position of the wave generation source through the information detected from the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave source can be calculated using the property that the light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time that the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generation source may be calculated using a time difference from the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the light as the reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, which has been described as the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be stacked on the display element, which is configured to scan the movement of the sensing object in proximity to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts a photo diode and a transistor (TR) in a row / column and scans contents mounted on the photo sensor by using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor calculates coordinates of the sensing object according to the amount of light change, and thus, the position information of the sensing object can be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphical user interface (GUI) information according to the execution screen information. .

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying a stereoscopic image.

The stereoscopic display unit may be a three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (glasses-free method), a projection method (holographic method).

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound or a message reception sound) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various haptic effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize different vibrations and output or sequentially output them.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 may be used to stimulate pins that vertically move with respect to the contact skin surface, jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of electrodes, and electrostatic force. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects by the endothermic and the reproduction of a sense of cold using the elements capable of endotherm or heat generation.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but also may allow a user to feel the tactile effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event by using light of a light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may be message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors to the front or the rear. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a port connecting a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. The port, audio input / output (I / O) port, video input / output (I / O) port, earphone port, etc. may be included in the interface unit 160.

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip that stores a variety of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), subscriber identity module (SIM), universal user authentication And a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter referred to as an 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 160 may be a passage for supplying power from the cradle to the mobile terminal 100 or may be input from the cradle by a user. Various command signals may be a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 is transmitted. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data regarding vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 170 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SSD type, a silicon disk drive type, and a multimedia card micro type. ), Card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read It may include at least one type of storage medium of -only memory (PROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

On the other hand, as described above, the controller 180 controls the operation related to the application program, and generally the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, if the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state that restricts input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the controller 180 may perform control and processing related to voice call, data communication, video call, or the like, or may perform pattern recognition processing for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on a touch screen as text and images, respectively. Can be. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control any one or a plurality of components described above in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may be provided with a connection port, the connection port may be configured as an example of the interface 160 is electrically connected to the external charger for supplying power for charging the battery.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses one or more of an inductive coupling based on a magnetic induction phenomenon or a magnetic resonance coupling based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon from an external wireless power transmitter. Power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a terminal body in the form of a bar. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, a swivel type, and two or more bodies which are coupled to be movable relative. . Although related to a particular type of mobile terminal, a description of a particular type of mobile terminal may generally apply to other types of mobile terminals.

Herein, the terminal body may be understood as a concept that refers to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (eg, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an external appearance. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in the internal space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 may be disposed in front of the terminal body to output information. As shown, the window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form a front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some cases, an electronic component may be mounted on the rear case 102. Electronic components attachable to the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, the rear cover 102 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102 to cover the mounted electronic component. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a portion of the side surface of the rear case 102 may be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 during the coupling. On the other hand, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b or the sound output unit 152b to the outside.

The cases 101, 102, and 103 may be formed by injecting a synthetic resin, or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

The mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case may provide the internal space, unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 of the unibody that the synthetic resin or metal from the side to the rear may be implemented.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a waterproof portion (not shown) to prevent water from seeping into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102 or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, and a combination thereof. It may include a waterproof member for sealing the inner space.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit 154, and first and second units. The cameras 121a and 121b, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b, the microphone 122, the interface unit 160, and the like may be provided.

Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the display unit 151, the first sound output unit 152a, the proximity sensor 141, the illuminance sensor 142, and the light output unit may be disposed on the front surface of the terminal body. 154, the first camera 121a and the first operation unit 123a are disposed, and the second operation unit 123b, the microphone 122, and the interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body. The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as needed or disposed on other sides. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side of the terminal body instead of the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphical user interface (GUI) information according to the execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible display). display, a 3D display, or an e-ink display.

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist according to an implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the plurality of display units may be spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface of the mobile terminal 100, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. By using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor may sense the touch, and the controller 180 may generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch sensor. The content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor is formed of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and the display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a or directly patterned on the rear surface of the window 151a. It can also be Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or provided in the display.

As such, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen may function as the user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first manipulation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b may be a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia reproduction sounds. It can be implemented in the form of).

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between the structures (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, an externally formed hole may be invisible or hidden for sound output, thereby simplifying the appearance of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying when an event occurs. Examples of the event may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to end the light output.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 and stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion as an example of the user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. have. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be adopted in any manner as long as the user is tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, and the like while the user is tactile. In addition, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be employed in such a manner that the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are operated without a tactile feeling by the user through proximity touch, hovering touch, or the like.

In the drawing, the first operation unit 123a is illustrated as being a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

The contents input by the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a and 152b. The user may receive a command such as adjusting the volume of the sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and the input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scroll, etc., control of the volume of sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, and the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151. Commands such as switching can be received. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of input by touch input, push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, the rear input unit may be disposed at the rear upper end of the terminal body so that the user can easily manipulate the index body when the user grips the terminal body with one hand. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

As such, when the rear input unit is provided at the rear of the terminal body, a new type user interface using the same may be implemented. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided in the front of the terminal body, the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body. The display unit 151 may be configured with a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 may be connected to another device (eg, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), or a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth). Port), a wireless LAN port, or the like, or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for receiving an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), a memory card for storing information.

The second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix format. Such a camera may be referred to as an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images may be photographed in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and images of better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

The second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be built in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna that forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (refer to FIG. 1A) may be configured to be pulled out of the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner side of the rear cover 103, or may be configured such that a case including a conductive material functions as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 embedded in the terminal body or detachably configured from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to enable wireless charging through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

Meanwhile, in the drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 to cover the battery 191 to limit the detachment of the battery 191 and to protect the battery 191 from external shock and foreign matter. To illustrate. When the battery 191 is detachably configured to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory may be added to the mobile terminal 100 to protect the appearance or to assist or expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory may be a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one surface of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to be linked with the display unit 151 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of the accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

The mobile terminal 100 forms through-holes in the cases 101 and 102 in parts in which sound must pass through the cases 101 and 102, such as the microphone 122 and the sound output unit 152. The through-hole is connected to the inside of the mobile terminal 100, the problem occurs when the moisture penetrates through the through-hole. In order to solve the problem may be provided with a waterproof structure in the through-hole.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the microphone hole 105 for transmitting external sound to the microphone 122 will be described as a representative example of the through hole.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the microphone hole 105 and the microphone 122 according to an embodiment of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. Sectional drawing of the microphone hole 105 and the microphone 122 according. In the drawing, the upper part is the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100, that is, the part where the rear case 102 is located, and the lower part is the direction in which the front, front case 101 and window glass 151a of the mobile terminal 100 are arranged. .

The main board 181 is mounted in a space between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, and the microphone 122 is mounted on the main board 181. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the microphone 122 is mounted on the front surface of the main substrate 181. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the microphone 122 is mounted on the rear surface of the main substrate 181.

When the microphone 122 is mounted on the rear surface of the main substrate 181, it is not necessary to form a separate hole on the main substrate 181, but when the microphone 122 is mounted on the front surface, a hole must be formed on the main substrate 181. When the main board 181 is disposed close to the rear case 102, the microphone 122 may be mounted on the front surface of the main board 181 because the space with the front case 101 is larger. When disposed close to the front case 101, the microphone 122 may be mounted on the rear surface of the main substrate 181.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound through the microphone hole 105 formed in the cases 101 and 102. As shown in Figure 1b is located in the lower end of the mobile terminal 100 so that the voice of the user can be easily collected during the call. Rather than being located on the front or back, it is placed on the side of the mobile terminal 100 so as not to be noticeable in appearance.

The sound path 124 may be made so that sound collected from the microphone hole 105 is not leaked to the microphone 122. The sound path 124 may be implemented using the microphone bracket 125 interposed between the microphone hole 105 and the microphone 122 as shown in FIG. 2. The microphone bracket 125 has a sound path 124 formed therein, and the entire microphone bracket 125 is made of an elastic material such as silicon, or contacts with the main board 181 to prevent sound leakage. Only the portion around the hole 105 may be formed of an elastic material.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a part of the cases 101 and 102 may be processed to implement a sound path 124 communicating between the hole formed in the main substrate 181 and the microphone hole 105. In this case, the sound leakage preventing pad 126 may be interposed between the main board 181 and the cases 101 and 102 so that sound does not escape.

When the main board 181 is mounted in the front case 101 and the microphone hole 105 is formed in the rear case 102, the main substrate 181 is in a portion where the front case 101 and the rear case 102 abut against the microphone hole 105. The sound leakage prevention pad 126 may be interposed.

Since the microphone hole 105 communicates with the outside of the cases 101 and 102, there is a problem that moisture penetrates through the microphone hole 105 and affects internal parts of the cases 101 and 102, and thus the microphone hole 105. In the microphone hole 105, the water filter does not pass through the water molecules, the air passes through, and the sound is input and output, but water does not penetrate.

Conventionally, there was a troublesome work by using the method of attaching the waterproof filter 230 to the inside of the microphone hole 105 by using a tape or the like, and since the actual waterproof performance can be confirmed after the product is completed, the defective rate is There is a problem that increases.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention uses the waterproof module 200 which is waterproof by the insertion method into the microphone hole 105. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a waterproof module 200 of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a waterproof module 200 of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

Waterproof module 200 of the present invention, the waterproof tube 210 is inserted into the microphone hole 105, the waterproof ring 220 is inserted around the waterproof tube 210 and the hole of the waterproof tube 210 to block. Include a filter.

The waterproof tube 210 is a member in the form of a cylinder 211 having a hole inside, and the outer surface of the waterproof tube 210 to be fitted into the microphone hole 105 formed in the case (101, 102) corresponding to the microphone hole 105 Has The waterproof tube 210 does not extend to the outermost portion of the microphone hole 105, but is inserted into the cases 101 and 102 to extend only to the middle of the microphone hole 105 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Can be. If the length of the waterproof tube 210 is shorter than the microphone hole 105, the end of the waterproof tube 210 has an advantage that does not appear in appearance.

The waterproof tube 210 may further include a flange 212 extended perpendicularly to an extension direction of the cylinder 211 at one end of the cylinder 211. The flange 212 is in close contact with the inside of the case (101, 102), the front case 101, the microphone bracket 125, and the like to press the flange 212, the waterproof tube 210 is a microphone hole 105 This insert can be fixed.

Waterproof tube 210 may be implemented using a metal material or plastic, such as brass, STS. This is a rigid material is suitable to make a hole of a small size such as the microphone hole 105.

The waterproof ring 220 inserted around the waterproof tube 210 is a ring-shaped member as shown in FIG. 5 and is made of an elastic material such as silicon. The waterproof ring 220 closely contacts between the microphone hole 105 and the waterproof tube 210 to prevent water from penetrating into the gap between the waterproof ring 220 and the microphone hole 105.

 The waterproof ring 220 has a problem that the thickness of the waterproof ring 220 does not come into close contact with the microphone hole 105. Since it is not easy, the thickness of the waterproof ring 220 is changed as shown in FIG. The waterproof ring 220 may include a seating ring 221 that is stably fixed around the cylinder 211 of the waterproof tube 210 and a sealing ring 222 protruding from the seating ring 221.

The thickness of the microphone hole 105 may be formed to correspond to the portion where the waterproof ring 220 is located. Since the waterproof tube 210 is inserted inside the cases 101 and 102, the waterproof ring 220 is preferably located close to the inner direction of the cases 101 and 102. That is, the waterproof ring 220 is fitted at a position adjacent to the flange 212.

Thus, that is, the microphone hole 105 changes in diameter in a stepped manner as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The diameter of the portion located at the outermost is the smallest, the diameter is large at the portion where the waterproof tube 210 is located, the portion in which the waterproof ring 220 is located has the largest diameter structure.

The waterproof filter 230 coupled to one side of the waterproof tube 210 is a film-like member having fine holes that allow only air to pass through without passing water. The waterproof filter 230 is attached to the flange 212 and the flange 212 serves to fix the waterproof module 200 to the microphone hole 105 as well as to provide an attachment surface of the waterproof filter 230.

As described above, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention has a merit of being easily assembled by modularizing the waterproof structure of the microphone hole 105 and filtering out defective parts at a component stage.

In addition, since the waterproof structure of the microphone hole 105 can be implemented using the same module for each product, manufacturing cost is reduced because there is no need to manufacture different components for each product.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A case including a through hole formed in a side surface;

   A waterproof tube including a cylinder inserted into the through hole;

   A waterproof ring inserted around the waterproof tube and interposed between the case and the waterproof tube;

   And a waterproof filter covering one side of the waterproof tube and allowing gas to pass through and not allowing liquid molecules to pass therethrough.
2. The method of claim 1,

   The waterproof tube further comprises a donut-shaped flange extending in the circumferential direction of the cylinder at one end of the cylinder.
3. The method of claim 2,

   The waterproof filter is characterized in that the mobile terminal is attached to the flange.
4. The method of claim 2,

   The flange is located inside the case of the mobile terminal.
5. The method of claim 2,

   And the waterproof ring is fitted to the cylinder at a position adjacent to the flange.
6. The method of claim 1,

   The through hole is a mobile terminal, characterized in that the diameter of the portion where the waterproof ring is larger.
7. The method of claim 6,

   The through hole forms a step and changes in diameter,

   A mobile terminal, characterized in that the portion adjacent to the outside of the case has the smallest diameter and the diameter of the portion adjacent to the inside of the case has the largest diameter.
8. The method of claim 1,

   The waterproof ring further comprises a seating ring seated on the outer surface of the cylinder and a sealing ring protruding outward from the seating ring.
9. The method of claim 1,

   And a microphone positioned inside the case, wherein the sound output from the microphone is output through the waterproof tube.
10. The method of claim 9,

    And a microphone bracket covering the microphone and including a sound path connected to the waterproof tube.

Images